Blackburn magistrates heard Mark Lee Perry admaitted to police that he had taken property worth £2,720 but, without carrying out a full stock take, his bosses could only establish that he had stolen £1,072 worth of goods.

Perry, of Lord Street, pleaded guilty to theft from Salon Services. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Peter Wild, prosecuting, said the company had checked CCTV after noticing stock was going missing.

"The defendant has told police he took property worth £2,720 but they cannot confirm that without a full stock take which would take up to three months," said Mr Wild.

Aftab Bakhat, defending, said his client had made him aware there was an underlying drug problem.